Derek

Cox

Jacksonville’s thin secondary could ill afford to be without Cox for a second straight week, but is still likely to be in for a long day against Cam Newton on Sunday. Cox’s return allows Drew Coleman to shift back to nickel duties.

The Jags were shredded by Drew Brees in Cox’s absence last week, and face another stiff test in Cam Newton on Sunday. Will Middleton will again get the start in Cox’s place, who should be considered week-to-week.

“Derek and Rashean [Mathis], up until their injuries, I thought they were playing very good football,” said GM Gene Smith. Coach Mike Mularkey acknowledged that Mathis, coming off ACL surgery, will battle Ross for the left cornerback job.

Cox had been sporting crutches due to swelling in his knee this week. The Jaguars have now lost both starting corners in successive weeks. This is why it’s so hard to predict fantasy schedules down the stretch. A previously stout defense will also be without NT Terrance Knighton, OLB Clint Session, and perhaps DE Matt Roth. Signed through 2012, Cox should return as a starter.

We’d call this an upgrade for someone’s fantasy matchup if the Vikings had anyone capable of exposing fill-in CB William Middleton outside the numbers. They don’t. Percy Harvin is a slot receiver, and the only other fantasy-viable pass catcher in Minnesota is Kyle Rudolph. Cox, who is Jacksonville’s top cover man, has been out since early- to mid-August with a hamstring strain.

Mathis feels a “big difference” from where he was two weeks ago, but he’s still regaining strength. Aaron Ross will start at one corner, with Derek Cox on the other side as long as his hamstring injury comes around by the opener. If not, Will Middleton will step in.

Talented but oft-injured, Cox has battled numerous lower-leg injuries throughout his career. The Jaguars will likely turn to William Middleton at right corner in Cox’s absence. The Jags’ top cover man should still be ready by Week 1.

Injury prone entering his contract year, Cox has been unable to stay off the shelf yet again this season. In terms of fantasy impact, Cox’s absence could make life a little bit easier on Bills top receiver Stevie Johnson this week.

The Jags are absolutely decimated by injury already. Cox, the starting right corner, will be replaced by a mixture of William Middleton and Kevin Rutland. Herb Taylor, who was signed off the street on Monday, is starting at left guard. Guy Whimper is moving over to right tackle. Look for the Texans to get a ton of pressure on Blaine Gabbert. The Jags’ other two inactives are DE Austen Lane and DE George Selvie.

Cox finished with five tackles (all solo). A contract-year player, Cox has an awful lot of talent but has been on the shelf all too often through his first four NFL seasons. He’d do himself well to show some durability down the stretch.